Dubai - May 2016

This is the Financial Centre metro station pointing in the direction of the Dubai Mall, and on to the UAE Exchange. As with most pubic places in this part of the world, there are various rules of behaviour on the Dubai Metro - things like: "no smoking", and "wear respectful clothing", and "no public displays of affection". But there's also an odd one which seems to have crept in - "carrying fish is prohibited". What the...

Hamburg - March 2016

First time in Hamburg. While I'm staying in the wonderful development of HafenCity, the town itself has been a bit of a disappointment.

Valletta - February 2016

This is my last day in Malta [staying a few kilometres from Valletta in St Julian's].

Yesterday afternoon, for the two hours before sunset - which at this time of year is a bit before 18:00 - I enjoyed a leisurely walk up and down the streets of Valletta. With very few exceptions, the buildings are old and in a state of disrepair. They look utterly charming en masse - especially as the stone is honeyed and weathered - but in truth, it presents an impoverished reality of the down-at-heel state of this fortress island.

After my walk, and before a rather prompt return the the hotel via my driver, Lawrence, I ate at the splendidly tranquil Adesso on South Street. Veal carpaccio followed by pork cheeks cooked 'sous vide'. Yum!

Krakow - January 2016

Kuala Lumpur - January 2016

Stockholm - November 2015

This is probably my last overseas trip this year - three days in Stockholm. Just spent the first evening at Stockholm Fisk in Vasagatan, right in the centre of town. Lemon sole with parmesan gratin, prawns and a white wine sauce. Chablis. Yum...

Warsaw - November 2015